Homeless veterans: City traders rally with Prince Harry to support our veterans campaign

Top City firms have come together to back the Evening Standard’s Homeless Veterans campaign.

Broker ICAP today announced it will give a substantial donation to our Christmas campaign from money raised at its annual charity day, during which Prince Harry, Damian Lewis and other high-profile figures joined brokers to complete trades and raise cash for good causes.

Major firms including Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs have also pledged money, and a string of businesspeople and philanthropists are supporting the appeal, helping servicemen and women who have fallen on hard times.

Michael Spencer, Group CEO of ICAP, said: “The Evening Standard’s Homeless Veterans Christmas campaign serves as an important reminder of those who have risked their lives to fight for Great Britain at home and abroad over many years.

“ICAP is delighted to provide a donation and hope that together we can provide a helping hand to those that need it most.”

Evgeny Lebedev, the owner of the Evening Standard and The Independent newspapers, said: “The money we raise goes direct to those who once served our country but have now fallen on hard times.

“That is why we have launched this appeal and why I am so delighted that organisations like ICAP and our other corporate supporters are backing our efforts.”

All revenues and commissions generated by ICAP during yesterday’s charity day will be donated to good causes around the world.

Prince Harry proved to be a natural at multi-million pound City deals.

At the gilts desk, as a £25 million deal was about to close, he took the phone from a broker and told the seller: “Come on, let’s squeeze it up a little bit more.” A few seconds later he closed a deal for £30 million.

The Evening Standard and Independent newspapers are raising money for two military charities — Veterans Aid and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

Businessmen Richard Caring, Gerald Ronson, Richard Desmond, Irvine Sellar and Sir Victor Blank have all given money to the campaign.

Hugh Milroy, CEO of Veterans Aid, said: “We were delighted to learn that money from ICAP’s Charity Day will be donated to the Evening Standard Homeless Veterans Campaign.

“It’s heartwarming to see members of the business and financial world getting involved.”

Major-General (Ret’d) Martin Rutledge, chief executive of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: “It is fantastic for the campaign, and for the many thousands of veterans who need our help, that ICAP has chosen to support us.”

There is still time to bid in the first part of our charity auction, which closes at 2pm on Monday. Lots include a safari in Botswana, a VIP visit to Edinburgh Castle, artwork and more.